A BACKWELL sign-making firm are keeping the Olympic flag flying, even though its creations are made out of wood.

Signet Signs was ‘over the moon’ to be awarded a contract to make 205 plywood flags, representing the nations taking part, which will form a tapestry adorning Parliament Square for London 2012.

Six staff and two apprentices at the West Town Road company worked flat-out for three weeks to complete the project, called House of Flags, which were due to be hung in front of the Houses of Parliament this week.

Director Mike Rawlings said: “When we were first approached we didn’t realise what the job was for but, after a few days, we found out it was for Parliament Square and we were really excited.

“We beat the deadline by three days and we were over the moon with the result.

“A few of us will go to London so we can see it in situ and take some photos.”

Apprentice Liam Belsten, who attends City of Bristol College, said: “The Olympic organisers sent us the drawing and colours, and we had to match them on the computer and make sure it all fitted.

“Doing it for the Olympics makes it all the more exciting.

“I can’t wait to see them on the TV.”